Australians with childhood dementia need more support: advocates

It's a disease that kills almost as many Australian children as cancer, yet some advocates say childhood dementia is a lesser known health issue. As part of Dementia Action Week this September 19 – 25, a national initiative is hoping to raise awareness of the condition, which currently affects some 700,000 children globally.

Jessie Mei Mei and her mother, Cindy Lorenz. Credit: SBS News

Key Points

• More than 700,000 children worldwide are affected by dementia.
• In Australia, it’s estimated 2,300 children are living with dementia; Around 90 children die each year.
• Advocates are calling for increased support for Australians with childhood dementia.

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Filipino CHILDHOOD DEMENTIA RNF FINAL

Filipino CHILDHOOD DEMENTIA RNF FINAL

05:07

Childhood Dementia Initiative hopes for increased funding for childhood dementia research.

Around 75 percent of those with childhood dementia have a life expectancy of less than 18 years.

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